Randy: Since I started this whole discussion in my home forum Air Canada/Aeroplan, let me make a few comments.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6242

I recognize and applaud your initiative to publicize the election. I am all for voter participation and appeals to exercise one's democratic particiapation in the political arena...albeit even in the life of a bulletin board.

There may be cultural differences/perceptions in this matter.

Invasion of privacy in any shape or form is a serious matter for some folks, myself included. This is why I am reacting to this initiative. The fact that I have voted is not a matter of record for a public forum. It is a social act that is wrapped in the mantle of privacy.

However making the avatar as the default mode has the consequence of revealing the fact that a member has voted or the absence of the avatar could be interpreted that the member has perhaps not voted. Herein lies the rub.....as the great Shakespeare stated. It may seem to be an inconsequential matter but privacy is not a small matter for some of us.

Randy. My post count, done mostly in my home forum of AC/Aeroplan, testifies to my involvement in the daily life of FT. My initial post was one of concern for right to privacy and the defence of perceived measures that invade such a gift.

As for suggestions as to how to increase the visibility of the upcoming elections, may I postulate that this discussion has had the unintended consequence of raising the profile of this event.